On a bright Thursday morning in April, I had the pleasure of visiting with LeAnn Lasure, Executive Director of the East YMCA.  LeAnn enthusiastically shared with me the exciting details of the planned relocation of the East YMCA to their new home on Arcade Street and York Avenue.  They will be physically connected to the newly renovated Johnson Elementary School (previously the old Johnson High School).  “Our staff have been very excited about this move.  It felt like the day might never come, but now it is almost here.” Lasure mentioned that due to construction delays, the staff had to postpone their initial move into the building.

The new YMCA

The opening of this new facility will mean enhanced access to resources for current residents as well as new families who have recently moved to the Eastside.  The YMCA coordinates and runs before and after school programs for elementary school children and their families, including homework help and a nutritional breakfast in the morning and academic, recreational and enrichment components (including theatre and arts activities) in the afternoon.  The amenities in their new facility will include a waterslide, two pools, sauna/steam rooms, a double gym, teen center, licensed child care (infant through preschool), running/walking track, strength and cardiovascular equipment, free weights, aerobic classes and programs for youth, families and seniors.

The information on the back of this old post card of John A. Johnson High School reads “One of our four High Schools. Cost, $155,000. Has besides regular course, manual training and domestic science courses, fully equipped gymnasium with 20 shower baths, auditorium seating 600, moving picture machine which is used also in evening social center classes, accommodates about 700 pupils.  Faculty of forty. St. Paul has nearly $4,000,000 educational investment.”  Johnson High School was built prior to 1915.

The YMCA, Eastside Family Center, and Johnson Elementary School are partners in the Achievement Plus Program, an initiative begun by Patricia Harvey, superintendent of the Saint Paul Public Schools, as an effort to increase students’ academic performance.  As I continued my conversation with her, it became evident to me that Lasure has strong ties to this East St. Paul community.  My intuitions were confirmed when she mentioned that she had roots in the Eastside.  She said, “I was born and grew up here, went away for a time and now I’m back and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of such an innovative project which will have a significant impact on our community.”  Part of her excitement for this collaborative project stems from the enthusiasm she has witnessed in the teachers who are part of the Achievement Plus Program at Johnson Elementary School.  “They have come here knowing that this will be different; this will not be an ordinary classroom setting with the standard curriculum.”  She feels that this initiative has brought teachers to the school who are prepared to engage in innovative teaching practices that are aimed at increasing not only test scores, but the self-esteem and confidence of students.    One of Lasure’s goals right now is to build additional partnerships between the East YMCA and other agencies on the Eastside to provide as many resources as possible on site.  She is looking to expand the arts program and computer resources such as staff and software as well as seek out volunteers interested in becoming a part of this exciting project.    A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility is planned for June 15.  The Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for September 25 and will be open to the public.  If you wish to receive information on volunteer opportunities, membership or to learn more about the East YMCA, please contact LeAnn Lasure at 651-771-8881.

Moundstock 2001

   The Portage for Youth, Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council, and the Metro State Theater Department are sponsoring a Mounds Theater fundraising event at Mounds Park as well as at the Mounds Theater. As this event is still in the planning stages the following information is available at this time:
What: Local bands, experimental art, arts and crafts vendors, food, and local talent.
Where: Mounds Park and the Mounds Theater - 1029 Hudson Road
When: Saturday, June 30th, 2001
Why: It’s a fundraiser for the Mounds Theater Renovation Project.
   Please go to the Portage for Youth website and check under upcoming events,for updates on this project - www.theportage.org.
    If you have an interest in helping to organize this project, setting up a booth (food or arts and crafts) or know of any organizations that would be interested in sponsoring this event, please give me a call at 651-772-8674.
   We have to work together as a community to make events like this 
happen.  "IT TAKES A WHOLE COMMUNITY TO RAISE ONE THEATER”

What's It Like To Live Near A Coal-Burning Power Plant?

   Come to the West Side Environment Committee community meeting on Saturday, May 19th at the Harriet Island Pavilion from 9am to 1pm and you will hear speakers who will answer your environmental questions.  Environmental groups, medical doctors, politicians and Xcel Energy will be on hand to talk about the risks of living near the High Bridge coal stack.  Morning refreshments, lunch and childcare will be provided.   Call either Lee Olson at 227-1130 or Elizabeth Dickinson at 312-0616 if you have questions.

New Dayton's Bluff Rec Center Director

   Jerome Krieger will replace Suzie Odegard as the Director of the Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center at 800 Conway.  Jerome is coming to Dayton’s Bluff  from the Hazel Park Recreational Center.  Suzie has been at Dayton’s Bluff for around 10 years and is moving on to the Battle Creek Recreational Center.  Jerome has been with Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department for 13 years.  He plans to run the center as it has been for now and see what works and what needs to be changed.  Stop by the center and welcome Jerome to Dayton’s Bluff.

Bluffing with Science
The science of  urban gardening
Part I: Vegetables
by Greg Cosimini

     So spring is here and you want to plant a vegetable garden.  There is a lot of information on this topic.  Most of it is not meant for urban gardeners who can’t create huge, showplace gardens and don’t have unlimited time and money. Those of us in the city need simpler, more realistic guidelines.
     I’ll let you in on a few secrets.  Plants have been growing by themselves for millions, if not billions, of years.  They really don’t need all that much help from us. Here’s a quick summary of everything you need to know: get seeds, put them in the ground and add water.  There are three natural enemies to this process: weather, varmints and kids.  Note that I did not classify kids as varmints. You can’t really do much about any of them so just learn to accept the fact that a lot of your vegetables will never make it to harvest time. Think of it like your paycheck.  At least there is a little something left after all the deductions are taken out. 
     You will obviously need a place for a garden.  Look around your yard for a sunny spot. Vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.  If not, you’ll get more leaves and fewer vegetables per plant. You can even grow vegetables in the front yard.  There is no law against it. As a matter of fact, it’s getting trendy to do so. 
     Besides sun, your garden needs dirt. Around here the soil is mostly clay, even if it looks black. That means it holds water longer but if it does dries out, it will turn into something resembling concrete. So keep it moist. The soil will get better each year as more plant material is mixed in with it.  If you can’t wait, buy topsoil to throw into the garden area. You can buy it by the sack or get a load of it delivered. But be forewarned.  It will rain as soon as a pile of it is dumped in your yard. 
     You will also need some tools, but not very many. Stores have tons of garden tools.  Most of these, if purchased, will become decorations for your back porch, yard and garage.  All you need is a big shovel, a hand shovel and a garden rake.  If you really want to splurge, buy a hoe (the pointed kind, not the flat type). 
       Next, you will need something to plant.  Seedlings can be purchased or started at home in late March or early April.  If you didn’t start any back then and don’t posses an operational time machine, forget that option. It’s too late now.  Believe it or not, most plants can be started from seed in the garden, even tomatoes.  The only exception might be peppers.  They need a little extra time to get going. But if you do buy plants, don’t get big plants that are already blooming.  You’ll do better with scrawny little plants.  They have to try harder and will produce more vegetables in the long run.
     Eventually the seeds or plants must go into the ground. No matter how warm the weather is, wait until late May or even early June. The only exceptions are cold weather crops like lettuce, spinach, peas and various other greens.  These should be planted in April. It’s already too late for those this year. What can we grow in the city? The answer is almost anything.  The most common vegetables are tomatoes and peppers.  Then there are pumpkins, zucchini, watermelons, corn, cucumbers, beans, broccoli, cabbage and a variety of more exotic vegetables.  Planting seeds is simple.  Follow the instructions on the packet, which will be something like: make holes, drop seeds in, cover with dirt and add water.  When planting seedlings, make sure the green side is up and the roots are in the ground.
     What about maintaining the garden during the summer?  Let’s get real.  Summer in Minnesota is too short to waste weeding gardens and fussing with plants. Or else it’s too hot and humid.  Or the mosquitoes are too vicious. Pick your favorite excuse. Mulch comes in handy at this point. Mulch is just a covering on the soil to keep the weeds from growing.  Of course they will grow anyway, but it helps. Mulch also keeps the moisture in the soil, reducing the need for watering. The leaves you raked up last fall make good mulch.  This year put them in bags, save the bags in the garage or yard over the winter, and spread the leaves in the garden in spring.  As an added bonus, you get that nice leafy smell and rustling sound without having winter lurking just around the corner.
     Finally, like it or not, some vegetables will survive and you have to harvest them. You can plant early or late varieties and whether it is a wet and cold or a hot and dry summer, all the vegetables will still ripen at just about the same time near the end of August. Pick them, eat them, give them away or dig them under to use as fertilizer.  Just don’t leave them out to rot and smell up the neighborhood.
     The question always comes up regarding pesticides, herbicides and various other chemicals. Don’t bother with them.  You aren’t trying to maximize your crop yield to feed the starving masses of the world.  Be happy with whatever your garden produces.  However, you might want to use a little compost, composted manure or a “miracle growing” type of fertilizer.  Don’t bother trying to make your own compost. Pick it up at one of the county sites.
      At the end of the growing season the garden should be prepared for next year.  There are two ways of doing this: nature’s way, which is waiting for it to be covered by snow and ignoring it until spring or man’s way, pulling up plants and digging them under. This can actually be a very pleasant activity in October and will make life easier in spring.  It also gives the soil time to absorb the plant material you dig under.  Either way, you’ll have to turn the soil over again in spring before you start the process all over again.
     Like any advice, all of the above should be considered carefully and then freely ignored.  Do some experimenting. See what works best for you. Gardening should be fun. If you discover some interesting urban gardening techniques, let the rest of us know about them. 
     Coming next month, Part II: Flowers and Grass.  You can also grow these in the city without much effort.  I’ll give you some pointers, which, of course, you can ignore.
---------------------------------------------------
Bluffing with Science will appear at random times in the Forum.  It will attempt to relate topics in science and engineering to life in Dayton’s Bluff. That is the goal, not a guarantee.  Please send questions, comments or suggestions for future columns to the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum, Attention: Greg Cosimini, 798 E. 7th. St., St. Paul, MN 55106 .

What is the Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council?
by Al Clausen

  The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council Board of Directors are a group of eighteen (18) residents, chosen by elections held on the third Monday of October every year. Each representative serves a two (2) year term. Board meetings are open to the public and are usually convened at 7 pm on the second and third Monday of every month at the Council office located at 798 East 7th Street. The Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Citizen Participation District is divided into four (4) Subdistricts, with four (4) Board members elected from each Subdistrict and two (2) being elected At Large.  For more information about the Dayton's Bluff Community Council call John or Karin at 772-2075 or visit the Community Council web page.

   The City of Saint Paul officially established its citywide Citizen Participation Process by Council Resolution in October, 1975. An independent task force of community residents was charged with the undertaking, and one of the first steps was to create geographic boundaries which placed a premium on neighborhoods rather than population. Seventeen (17) Citizen Participation Districts were ultimately approved, with populations ranging from 4,300 to 30,000.
  As part of the City’s formal recognition process, each District formed its own neighborhood council, which then was incorporated as a federally approved 501.C3 nonprofit corporation. The size of each organization, and method of operations varies according to its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Members volunteer their time, and the average size of a District Council Board is fifteen (15).
   A District Council’s primary City responsibility is to provide advice and recommendations on physical, economic, and social development issues. In addition, Councils identify neighborhood needs, initiate community programs, and recruit volunteers.
    District Councils are a vital part of the City’s communication network, serving as a primary information and referral resource. District Councils inform residents through meetings, community newspapers, newsletters, flyers, and by sponsoring community events.
  As an independent organization, each District Council hires their own staff members, including an executive director and/or community organizer, office support, and a crime prevention coordinator. District Council employees are not City employees, and negotiate individual work agreements with their employers.
   The Fiscal Year 2000 City budget provided District Council organizations with more than $1.1 million in operating support. This figure includes $691,953 for general operations, and over $400,000 for crime prevention efforts. Citizen participation amounts are calculated by formula, and include a base amount of $30,000 per district. Adjustments are then made for population and poverty indicators. Financial support averages $40,700 for citizen participation, and approximately $15,000 for crime prevention efforts.
     A formal City/Agency agreement is required for the use of all City funds. This contract includes goals and objectives, work plans, and evaluation components. City resources typically support staff, office, supplies, and communications. Financing is provided through local General Funds and the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
   Most District Councils have multiple funding sources, and receive both foundation and corporate support. On average, City funding makes up approximately 50% of an organization’s annual revenue.
   Questions about the Citizen Participation process and the District Councils may be directed to the Community Liaison contact in the Mayor’s Office, (651) 266-8539, or to the Department of Planning and Economic Development, (651) 266-6693. Comments or questions on Citizen Participation may also be faxed to (651) 228-3220.

Metro State’s Snoopy Marks Arrival Of Spring

    Spring may have officially started March 21, but at Metropolitan State
University it truly arrived April 20, as a restored Back to School Snoopy was unveiled in the university’s courtyard.
   Metro State’s old Snoopy graduated in December. However, a new Snoopy has been admitted and reappeared on the university’s St. Paul Campus, 700 E. Seventh St., to register for summer classes.
Snoopy is located in the courtyard near Founders Hall. The public is invited to stop by and meet him. He’ll be welcoming everyone to the campus, and posing for photographs. He will also be on hand to greet students when they come to campus for summer classes, which start May 14.
   Artists Robyn Berth and Scott Schneider were hired to give Metro State’s Snoopy a new look. Berth had previously designed the King Boreas, Vulcanus Rex and All American Digital Dog Snoopy statues. She insists that this new Snoopy is the cutest one yet.
   Metropolitan State University is the only MnSCU state university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It offers quality programs leading to baccalaureate and master’s degrees.
   Note: Metro State’s Snoopy, part of St. Paul’s tribute to the late cartoonist Charles Schulz last summer, was not part of the Oct. 1 Mall of America auction event. This Snoopy was left out, not because he didn’t pay his doggy dues, but because he was to be a perpetual college student.

Harding Grad Receives Scholarship    Harding High School 2001 graduate, Trung B. Nguyen (at right), has been awarded the President’s Distinguished Student Scholarship.  Trung will be a freshman this fall at the University of Minnesota in the Carlson School of Management.     In offering this highly competitive award, the University of Minnesota honors incoming students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and leadership.  The University presents the award in recognition of the achievements and potential of the most promising incoming freshmen-students who will continue to distinguish themselves as compus leaders and as outstanding University scholars.

Trung B. Nguyen

Start Getting Involved In Your Community 
by Raeann Ruth

    As most residents of Dayton’s Bluff know, the Portage for Youth is in the process of renovating the old Mounds Theater at 1029 Hudson Road. But what most people don’t realize, is that the project will cost $750,000 and raising that kind of money is no easy task. In past issues of the Forum, we have made several pleas to the community for help, most of which have fallen on “deaf ears”. It appears that everyone wants to know when the plays and movies are going to start, but that is the extent of it. Where are the donations and volunteer help to make that happen? 
   Since February, a small group of Dayton’s Bluff residents have literally set aside their own personal lives to work at the theater. There have been two major, clean-out days and the labor has been intensive. The theater had been used for 30 years as a storage building and all of those accumulated items had to be removed, packed on trucks  shipped to Forest Lake and then unpacked again to go into storage lockers. 
   The next clean-up consisted of unbolting 750 seats, stripping them down and packing them in dumpsters, as well as getting rid of things that were left from the last clean-up. 
   Then there was also the Blues Benefit Concert at the Minnesota Music Cafe on February 4th. Local musicians donated their music talents, the Minnesota Music Cafe, donated the space and a huge number of businesses donated certificates for goods and services for our silent auction....only about 60 people bothered to come to show support for their community and the Mounds Theater Renovation Project. 
   This seems to be the trend in Dayton’s Bluff. Let’s look at a few examples. The attendance of Block Clubs is down, people are not interested in volunteering to make events happen in the neighborhood such as Summer Fest, etc. Yet people are always talking about WHY, things don’t happen in Dayton’s Bluff. WHY this and WHY that. Well, to me, the WHY’s are everyone’s responsibility and people should get involved in their community to make it a better place to live. 
   Another example is the addition of a performing arts center on Hudson Road. Once completed the theater will house a performing arts center, movies, a Science and Engineering Lab for children and adults, concerts, dance and organ recitals to accompany silent movies. Isn’t this something to be proud of and something that you would be willing to support? But what are the excuses that I have heard in the past? Let’s see, they are: I’m to busy at night or I have other things too do, like watching television or going to a local bar to unwind, because I have had a hard day? These are just a few of the excuses, but are they really valid? Everyone has hard days and are in the same “boat” as you, but they are willing to commit both their time and of their limited financial resources to make the theater project happen. Everything in life doesn’t involve “sitting on a fence” and waiting until “someone else” does all the work so that you can enjoy the end results. It takes work, it takes money....IT TAKES YOU to get involved. 
   We once ran an ad in the Forum, that if everyone gave up just one ‘happy meal” a week, which is a total of about $5.00 and sent it in for the theater renovation fund, we would have a good chunk of money, as there are 7,000 people in the Dayton’s Bluff area alone. We realize that there are a lot of different causes out there, that you can contribute money to, or volunteer for, but the Mounds Theater will be yours and you don’t have to do anything else, except donate $5 or $10. That isn’t a great price to pay for what will be there in the future for you to enjoy, as well as future generations. 
   So, I’m again issuing a plea to the Dayton’s Bluff Community to get together and help us with the Mounds Theater. Go find your check book, or get a money order, and either walk it over to the Portage for Youth, drop it in the mail slot at the Mounds Theater if finding a stamp and envelope is too much work. Call the Portage and we will even come pick your donation up. It’s that simple and you will be helping fund something in your neighborhood that will be around for a great number of years. 
   When I first thought about doing this article, I thought that I might offend people. But then I thought, I don’t really care what people think about the contents of the article. To quote an old saying, “The Truth Hurts.”  And if the truth hurts and hits home, why not do something about it? Either you can sympathize with our predicament or you will just throw up your arms and say, “HOW DARE YOU”, but the fact remains, the theater is something YOU are going to enjoy.  Don’t you think YOU should help make it happen? Everything in life is NOT free, you have to work at it, even if it means making some small contribution of either volunteer time or a financial contribution. 
   It’s just like the Forum and the small group of people that are sitting in meetings, editing the newspaper and trying to find more people to work on it. There are few people willing to write an article, even though it is free, so that people will know about what is happening in Dayton’s Bluff. There are few business' willing to buy ads so that the paper can keep being printed......there is just no one for any of these things. Don’t you often wonder how these little “extra things” in life get funded? The people that do meet to make this paper happen, are just like you and me. They work, they have kids to take care of, they have responsibilities, but they take the time out, from their busy days to make sure you are aware of what is going on in your own neighborhood. 
   Don’t you think it’s about time you stopped complaining about the neighborhood and started doing something about it to MAKE A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER?   If  you have any questions or concerns about this article, please give me a call at the Portage for Youth at 772-8674.        
Thank you!!!!

Getting Ready for the Planting Season 
 

Dear Amber, 
Since the weather is FINALLY, getting warmer, what can I do to get ready for the planting season?  Theresa 

   Good question Theresa. Spring brings out the gardening spirit in everyone. Especially those of us who endure these long Minnesota winters. Who can resist the rich aroma of awakening earth, wafting on the first warm breezes, or green shoots poking through last year’s brown thatch? For a beautiful summer yard, getting an early start is the key. 

   Get off to the best start by analyzing your soil with an easy-to-use soil testing kit. Learn your soil’s nutrient needs, then stock up on the right nourishment: bone meal or cottonseeds meal for nitrogen; rock phosphate for phosphorous; greensand for potassium. You will want to add plenty of dolomite lime for acid soil, or peat moss if your soil is alkaline. 

   Ask any gardener - turning the soil is the first real thrill of a new gardening season. The right tools make it easy. Make sure you have the classic trio: A sturdy spade, digging fork and rake. 

   Now the dilemma, what to Plant? 
Selections are endless! One way to winnow your choices is to choose from collections. If you’re into flowers, why not try samples of colorful antique flowers, morning glories and other climbers, nasturtiums and sweet peas? If you love butterflies, consider varieties especially selected to attract these delicate beauties. 
   Are herbs your fancy? Try a collection of savory culinary herbs for cooking. If vegetables are your bent, get going right away with collections of heirloom lettuces and broccoli. Later on as the soil warms and the days grow longer, have fun planting a collection of All-American tomatoes and peppers or indulge in a sampler of heirloom tomatoes for a taste you just can’t buy in any supermarket. Of course, vegetable gardeners won’t want to overlook individual spring standbys —delicious radishes, succulent spinach and tender sugar peas. 
   For instant color in a flower garden, tuck in started annuals. Go crazy! Order flats of dazzling impatiens, subtle, soft-spoken petunias, velvety pansies and festive marigolds. Colorful snapdragons are a treat for young children. Show them how to pinch the jaws just right to open their ferocious mouths. Once learned, it’s a skill no child ever forgets. 
   Most spring bulbs bloom nicely by mid-summer: try luscious dahlias, tiger lilies and ever-popular gladiolus. 

Germinating seeds indoors under fluorescent lights lets you take full advantage of the gardening season. You will also save money and get the varieties you want. Complete seed-starting kits contain everything you need, including adjustable lighting. Window-mounted kits use natural light. To assemble your own kit, you will need containers such as peat pellets, or use peat pots filled with fine-milled seed starting mix. Sowing tiny seeds is easy with a seed syringe. Then, just add water and gentle warmth. Don’t forget to identify containers with plant labels (use indelible ink.) Spray seedings gently with a seedling mister when they appear. 

   Gardeners who start seeds indoors know the secret to sturdy early-season planting lies in using cold frames or cloches to harden off tender seedlings and acclimate them to the outdoors. For early vegetable plantings, protect tender seedlings with row covers. Setting out plants is hard on knees and hands. Protect both with kneepads or a comfortable mat and sturdy gardening gloves. 
   Planting bulbs? Save your back with a handy long-handled bulb planter. For tucking in transplants use a well-designed transplanting trowel or a classic, old fashioned dibble. 

   Planting in containers is rewarding even if you have a yard, but for apartment-dwelling gardeners container planting is a godsend! Choose large containers for a lush look or smaller window boxes and hanging planters, whose plain design focuses attention on the flowers they contain. For “no-stoop gardening", try a convenient and striking stand-up contain garden. 

   It’s never too soon to start a compost pile. A louvered composter keeps things neat and tidy. To make your own “brown gold” with ease, layer up a pile of fresh organic matter like leaves, grass clippings and table scraps - but no meat! Turn and spread compost with a comfortable, T-handle compost fork. 

If you have a question that you would like answered, please write me at:

Dayton’s Bluff District Forum
Attn. Ask Amber
798 East 7th Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Or e-mail your question to: askamber1@hotmail.com
————————————
All answers given herein are solely the opinion of the writer and not the Dayton's Bluff District Forum nor the writers or advertisers or the people and businesses included in the column.  Amber's answers will be
researched in depth and are accurate as opinion, but not neccesarily fact.

Neighborhoods Chosen For Early Police Stations
by Karin DuPaul

   St. Paul grew very rapidly during the last half of the nineteenth century. In the 1880’s St. Paul had to improve and expand many of its services which included the establishment of the mounted police patrol, new fire stations, city wide installation of call boxes for police and fire department, and several new schools. 
   According to the 1886 Annual Police Report “The department is constantly importuned by the residents of various portions of the city (particularly St. Anthony Hill and Dayton’s Bluff) for additional police protection, which with the present force it is unable to furnish.”          During this decade city officials decided the police could better serve the city of St. Paul through the addition of neighborhood public sub-stations. Soon it was determined that for the best city wide police coverage four sub- stations were needed. The new sub-stations were located in four residential neighborhoods: the Hill District at Rondo and Western, the West Side at S. Robert and Delos, in the Union Park neighborhood at 490 N. Prior, and in Dayton’s Bluff at 747 Margaret Street.  All four buildings were designed by architect Henry Hamilton to be functional as well as attractive and cost about $3,000 each. These buildings contained offices, a large area for the police wagon, jail cells where the prisoners stayed until they could be transferred downtown, and on the second floor several rooms.
   Today, two of these buildings still remain standing. The one at 490 N. Prior, which has only had minor alternations to its exterior over the years, “Union Park Police Substation” can still be seen above the front entrance, and it is now used as a commercial building. 
   The other substation building is located at 747 Margaret and has been remodeled for use as an apartment building. 

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 2001 we have reprinted this article from the Dayton's Bluff District Forum Special Police Edition in May 1984.

Cooking in the Bluff 
    by Shiela Johnstone

I have chosen something for BBQ time.  I hope you enjoy!

Barbecued Beef                                                            

Ingredients:                                                                                    
4 pounds top round roast
1/4 cup lard
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon
1 1/2 cups red wine
1/3 cup onion, shredded
 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:                                                                                       
1) Rub the beef with half the lard and all the red chile. Place meat in a large bowl.
2) In a medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil, add the remaining lard and the butter. When melted, remove from heat. Add vinegar, tarragon, wine, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Pour over meat. Refrigerate
uncovered for up to 2 days; turning the meat frequently.
3) Preheat broiler.
4) Transfer meat to a broiler pan. Position the meat 3 to 4 inches from the broiling unit, and broil for 15 minutes. Turn the meat over. Baste it with the marinade, rubbing the fat from the marinade over the surface. Broil another 15 minutes. Turn, baste, and broil for another 15 minutes. Remove from the oven,  and let the meat stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories:  610 
Protein:  49g 
Total Fat: 40g 
Sodium: 205mg 
Cholesterol: 176mg 
Carbohydrates: 3g 
Fiber: 0g

A Delicious Marinade                                                                 
This is a standard recipe for all BBQ occasions. Perfect for pork
and chicken. When grilling meat, always use wood chips for a truly smoky flavor.  
                                            
Ingredients:
1/3 cup steak sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:                                                                                     
1) In a medium bowl, combine the steak sauce, brown sugar, lemon-lime soda, butter, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper.
    Mix together well and use on your favorite meat.

Nutrition at a glance:
Calories: 179 
Protein: 0g 
Total Fat: 12g 
Sodium: 352mg 
Cholesterol: 31mg 
Carbohydrates: 20g 
Fiber: 0g

   Tip:  Garlic cloves peel easily when you first remove the ends. Then lay flat and press with the side of a knife.
   Here is a little gardening tip:
Save your egg shells to start seedlings for your garden.  Plant seeds in egg shell halves.  Simply crack the shells around the roots of your plants and transplant them outdoors.  The shell is a natural fertilizer.

   If you have comments, suggestions, a special recipe that you would like to share, or you are looking for a special recipe, feel free to contact me through the Dayton’s Bluff Forum.

Write to: 
Shiela Johnstone 
Dayton's Bluff District Forum 
P.O. Box 600511 
St. Paul, MN 55106 

Email: shiela@qwest.net 
Or call: 651-772-2075 (Dayton's Bluff Community Council Office) 

Till next time, bon appetite. 

Last Chance:
You Could Win a Hot Air Balloon Ride

     This is a once in a life time opportunity. For a donation of $5.00 or more,  you will help keep our paper in business and have a chance to win an exciting hot air balloon ride. 
     The Dayton's Bluff District Forum has been back in business since August 2000. It is important for our community to have its own community newspaper, and the board of directors is dedicated to keeping the Forum alive and viable. 
     We need the residents and friends of Dayton's Bluff to be partners in this endeavor. A community newspaper requires volunteers, financial donations, and revenue generated by advertisements. We need people to work on all aspects of the paper, such as writing and photography, and we need the funds to print the paper. 
     A donation of $5.00 or more is suggested, but not required to enter or  win. Drawing to be held this spring. To enter, send your name, address, phone number and optional donation to: 

Dayton's Bluff District Forum
798 E. 7th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55106

Small Steps Make a Big Difference 
by Susan Balgie

   If you were out walking or driving around the community last week, you may have noticed them small groups of people collecting large bags of trash.  Or, maybe you’ve seen them in the past and wondered who they were and what they were doing. Perhaps you simply noted that things looked a little bit cleaner this week than last.
   You weren’t seeing things. The cleanup crews, dozens of employees from the state agencies and businesses located in Lafayette Park, have taken part in this effort for the last 12 years. Armed with trash bags and barrels, the volunteers have collected and disposed of tons of rubbish, some of it hazardous household waste that could otherwise leak into nearby storm waters. Appliances, bicycles, tires and furniture in addition to bottles, cans and rubbish are some of the items found and removed every year.
   The organizations on the front lines of this project include the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Office of Environmental Assistance, Department of Human Services, Department of Labor and Industry, Meritex Enterprises and the Union Gospel Mission.
   The neighborhood cleanup, which takes place around Earth Day each year is just one of the many activities these organizations plan as part of their ongoing commitment to conservation and as a way to raise awareness about the small steps we can all take to protect and preserve our environment.

Caroline's Cameos
by Caroline Snyder

WORLD CULTURES AND LANGUAGES MAGNET SCHOOL
Cindy McCullough, Principal

   I  arrived the day after the December 7 “Culture Fair” festivities at the World Cultures and Languages Magnet School.  The excitement was still electric in the air although the teachers were a little weary from the night before and a turnout of some 200 families.  I  received a whirl wind tour of the building from Cindy McCullough, the principal.  The displays of the children were creative and enlightening and the challenges presented to them were especially revealing in their presentations.   I was very impressed with the progression of intellectual and adult-like thought processes and I was reminded of my own elementary education curriculum and how our thoughts and feelings were allowed to expand and explore the world.  Today this exploration is especially significant in a magnet school such as World Cultures and Languages.  I believe the children exposed to this environment and curriculum are blessed and privileged to participate.  This world selection event occurs 3 times a year and the project explores the various regions of the world and the movement of peoples.   Oceania was the region explored and Australia and the Aborigines people (their culture, art and language) was the focus.  The children write reports, create books, and study the products of the country through artwork and writings.   
   At the helm of this cultural and language discovery ship is Cindy McCullough, a mother of 3 children (13, 11 and 2), a Sauk Rapids native and a principal of 2 private schools before coming to World Cultures and Languages.  A Moorhead graduate, she taught at Pine City at the 3rd and 4th grade levels and at St. Scholastica in Duluth and Moorhead State University as an administrator.  Cindy and has been in the St. Paul Public School System for the last 3 years.  Assisting her are bi-lingual teachers who are proficient in Hmong, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.  The Hmong Language and Culture is studied year around.  The total enrollment is 345 students.  Before becoming the principal in 1999, Cindy was an assistant principal at Webster Elementary.   The class size at World Cultures and Languages is a ratio of 1 teacher to 17 students in the 1st and 2nd grades and 1 to 27 in the 3rd through 6th grades.  Teams of 3 teachers for every 55 students distribute the makeup.
   The Mat 7 (reading, language, social studies and sciences) scores this year have recorded the largest gain of progress to grade level – from 33 % in the fall to 46% in the spring at World Cultures and Languages.  The factors contributing to this progression are many but most outstanding is the smaller class size, the dedication of the teaching staff and the all day kindergarten which exposes the child to a learning and social environment prior to the first grade.  With a smaller classroom size, each teacher relates to her pupils on a more individual basis.  The closeness experienced on a daily basis encourages respect and dignity for each other.  Exploring the common themes among the diverse ethnic backgrounds is accentuated and differences become less of a factor in the child’s development.  The student population illustrates the diversity of its makeup.  41% are bi-lingual, 38% are Hmong, 3% Vietnamese and Hispanic and 32% are African American.  The teacher makeup also reveals its diversity.  6 are bi-lingual teaching assistants, 2 teachers are bi-lingual Spanish, 1 bi-lingual Russian, 1 bi-lingual Japanese and 1 bi-lingual Hmong.   
   The class environment is enhanced by the “technical” attributes as well as the intrinsic benefits derived from the exposure to various cultures and languages.  There is a database library of some 4500 books and children have a computer classroom of 30 personal computers.  available from the 1st grade.  A resource and media center is available to all students.  A computer program, which teaches the “keyboard”, is accessible for future writers and journalists.  95% of the student body has read 25 books or more during the 1999-2000 school year.  The St. Paul Pioneer Press have donated T-shirts for children to be awarded when they reach their 25-book goal.  Since September this school year, already 48% of the students will have a new T-shirt presented to them which they truly can be proud of.  
   Teacher instruction is manifested with use of videos and guest speakers.  Tim, who teaches 5th and 6th grade classrooms had a scuba diver visit with his students and from that visit the children learned about the sea world that exists near the shores of the Australian coastal waters.  Photographs which he brought of the barracuda fish and other sea creatures, corals and underwater life indigenous to the islands of Oceania were topics of creative writing and artwork by the children.   Koala bears and kangaroos were also subjects of artwork and writings.  Postcards, quiz books and maps were created and studied by the children.  A real life ocean transparency created by one of the teachers along with her students was draped against the windows of one classroom exhibiting various creatures of the sea.  It almost made me feel like I was experiencing a deep-sea adventure of my own!  Truly this was a labor of love seen through the eyes of many gifted students.
   Principal Cindy McCullough demonstrates an exuberance and sense of humor, which is contagious.  A compatibility with the teaching staff is revealed every time she greets her teachers as well as the children as they display smiles and stories when Cindy is present.
The curriculum offered at World Cultures and Languages also energizes the teaching staff.  A fresh and exhilarating approach to the studies encountered at the magnet school is refreshing to behold in the classrooms.  An informal environment along with some structure is conducive to the creativity of the child.  A consortium of mind, body and spirit brought to the levels of the highest quality of teaching will bring only the best results in academic achievement.  An emotional and intellectual experience is awaiting your child at World Cultures and Languages Magnet School.  
   God created the universe in 7 days and the children and staff at World Cultures and Languages Magnet School created a world of brotherhood and sisterhood of their own in just 10 years.   Children are color and culture blind and if we can begin at an early age to embrace all cultures and races, we can truly call World Cultures and Languages magnet school “our world.” 

Notices

Joy Child Care On The Eastside
    Many parents have been asking for child care that is close to home
with convenient drop off  before and after work. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 655 Forest Street, offers children the opportunity to spend less time on the streets and more time with your family. Come and visit us for an economical and safe learning experience for your preschool child age 3-5 years. We offer a year around child care with a preschool component taught from a Christian perspective. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are licensed and registered with the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services.
   For more information on child care on the east side of St. Paul, please call Wendy Ewald at Behlehem Lutheran JOY Preschool Child Care (651) 771-6982; or email  BethStPaulLCMS@juno.com

 “A Poet…Distills amazing sense From ordinary Meanings –"
                                                                                                    -Emily Dickinson
    Become Charged with Life at the free library events celebrating the poetry and letters of Emily Dickinson.
 Saturday May 5, 2 p.m.
“Charged with Life:”  A dramatic reading at the Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
  May 1 – June 15
 Exhibit:  Emily Dickinson’s letters  and rare 19th century books.
 Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
  "Charged with Life", based on the intimate correspondence between Emily Dickinson and her friend Thomas Wentworth Higginson, will be presented on May 5.  Composed by Elizabeth Dickinson, "Charged with Life" reveals the complicated relationship between the unknown poet and the prominent national editor using their own words.

Labor History Celebrated 

   “Untold Stories” explores the world of labor through an evening of song, author readings, a local history presentation, a walking tour, and an exhibit.  The exhibit will be on display at the Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, downtown St. Paul.  For more information contact the Minnesota Historical Society at 651-222-0701.

Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m.
“Defender of Labor  –  Attorney William Erwin”
Landmark Center, Room   430, 75 West 5th Street

Thursday, May 10, 7 p.m.
“Packinghouse Daughter”
Riverview Branch Library, 
1 East George Street

Wednesday, May 16, 7 p.m.
“Songs and Work and    Labor”
Highland Park Branch Library, 1974 Ford Parkway

Thursday, May 17, 7 p.m.
“The Girls Are Coming”
UAW-Ford-MnSCU    Training Center at Ford Assembly Plant
on Ford Parkway (one block west of Cretin Avenue).

Sunday, May 20, 1 p.m.
“Walking Tour of HistoricDowntown Labor Sites”
Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street (gather at entrance)

Tuesday, May 22, 7 p.m.
“A Union Against Unions”
Labor and Professional Center,  411 Main Street, St.Paul

Throughout May visit the “Untold Stories Exhibit”
“A History of Labor in St.   Paul, 1849-1990
Ramsey County Historical Society, Landmark Center

CAMP WILD! 
Summer Day Camp For Boys and Girls

   Camp Fire USA, Minnesota Council is offering ten weeks of day camping at Wilder Recreation Center (958 Jessie Street) in Saint Paul.  Sessions will begin the week of June 18 and go through the week of August 20.  Boys and Girls entering grades one through six have the opportunity to choose from exciting weeks of adventures.  Each week is packed with games, crafts, stories and more focusing on a weekly theme.  To request a CAMP WILD brochure, contact Camp Fire Boys and Girls at 651-632-9181.

East Side Photo Documentation Project

   Metropolitan State University’s Center for Community-Based Learning and Department of Media and Fine Arts, invite you to view an exhibit of black and white photos of St. Paul’s East Side community.  This display was created by students as part of an academic group internship under the guidance of Charles Farrell, community faculty photography instructor. 
   The showcase of various scenes throughout the community is the beginning of a long-term partnership to document the life and culture of this community.
   The photographs will be on display in Metro State’s Founders Hall Reception Area, 700 East 7th Street, St. Paul, from April 30 through May 28.  There will be a reception on Monday, May 7, from 12 – 1:30 with a brief program scheduled for 12:30 p.m., everyone is welcome.

Visit Lyman Dayton's Grave Site 

   The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council purchased a tombstone in 1994 to mark the gravesite of Lyman Dayton, founder of Dayton’s Bluff.  Lyman Dayton was born on August 25, 1810, in Southington, Connecticut.  He founded and established Dayton’s Bluff in l853. Dayton actually died in Chicago on October 20, 1865, and his body was laid to rest on the Bluff (between 5th and 4th Streets) where Mounds Boulevard now runs. 
   His remains were moved once again on June 16, 1869 to Oakland Cemetery to an unmarked grave. For directions to the gravesite, stop at the cemetery office. Staff will direct you. The cemetery office is located at 927 Jackson. The grave site is located near Sylvan Street between Front Avenue and Hatch Avenue, but it is advisable to get a map.

Bookmobile In Dayton's Bluff

MONDAYS
(May 7 and 21)
 Dayton’s Bluff Playground
 Conway & Maple
 2:30 – 3:30

 Mound’s Park Methodist
 Euclid & Earl
 3:45 – 4:45

 Margaret Playground
 Margaret & Frank (1300 
            Wilson)
 5:00 – 6:30

THURSDAY
(May 10 and 24)
 First Lutheran
 463 Maria
 9:30 – 10:00

Large print books, picture books and videos are available.   Not all books are available, nor are there reference materals.  They will be able to answer simple questions.

Dayton’s Bluff 1st Annual Neighborhood Sale

July 20, 2001 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
July 21, 2001 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
   You can commit some or all of the time in your garage or yard.  Contact Traci at 771-5834 if you are interested or for more information.
   Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Ramsey County Extension Service’s “Barn” at 2020 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood.  The Ramsey Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale offers vegetable plants, exotics, annuals, and perennials propagated by Master Gardeners for this annual fundraiser.  They will answer your gardening questions and the Diagnostic Clinic will also be open to examine plant or insect samples and offer answers and advice.  For more information call 651-704-2061.

Master Gardeners' Plant Sale

   Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Ramsey County Extension Service’s “Barn” at 2020 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood.  The Ramsey Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale offers vegetable plants, exotics, annuals, and perennials propagated by Master Gardeners for this annual fundraiser.  They will answer your gardening questions and the Diagnostic Clinic will also be open to examine plant or insect samples and offer answers and advice.  For more information call 651-704-2061.

Como Park Conservatory’s Perennial And Bulb Sale

   On Saturday, May 19, 2001 the Como Park Conservatory is having a plant sale consisting of perennials and bulbs from 8 am to 2 pm.  The sale will take place on site. Come early for best selection.
   The Conservatory gardeners are growing the perennials and the bulbs are pulled directly from the Spring Flower Show in the Sunken Garden of the Conservatory.  This year’s sale features 80 New and Exciting varieties of perennials totaling over 6,000 plants.  Over 14,000 bulbs will be for sale, included are tulips, crocus, species tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, muscari and over 30 types of lilies.
   All proceeds from the sale directly support the Como Park Conservatory.  Admission before 10 am and parking are free.  Como Park Conservatory is located just west of the intersection of Lexington Parkway and Estabrook Drive South in Como Park. For more information about the Perennial and Bulb Sale call the Como Conservatory Gift Shop at 651-487-8260.

EVENTS AT MARGARET RECREATION CENTER 
1109 Margaret Street 
St. Paul, MN 55106 
(651) 298-5719 

Rec Check Club 
Rec Check is a free after school recreation service with a check-in component for children in grades 1-6. Registration is required and space is limited. Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. Free 
Free Play
During regular building hours, we have many games and equipment which may be checked out for your enjoyment. Items include: table games, balls, ping-pong, tennis equipment, cards, etc. 
Teen Night 
The first Friday night of every month will be just for Margaret teens. School I.D.must be shown, ages 13-17. A variety of activities will be offered, including basketball 
Block Club 
All neighborhood residents are invited to meet with other community members to discuss crime and other neighborhood issues. Meetings are the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 
Margaret Booster Club 
This group specializes in fund raising, community events, assisting with programs and team sports. Parents and residents are welcome to join. Meetings are the 2nd  Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Margaret Ree. Center. 

Good Neighbor Code Enforcement 
Volunteers Needed
Call Karin at 772-2075

Advertise in the Dayton's Bluff District Forum
Call Karin at 772-2075

Take a Hike 
     Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike on the first Saturday of every month meet at 10:30 AM in Indian Mounds Park at Earl Street and Mounds Blvd. We will hike from Mounds Park through Swede Hollow Park and then walk the length of the Bruce Vento Recreational Trail (formerly the Phalen Creek Recreational Trail) to its end, near Phalen Park. Along the way we will share stories and learn some local history of the area. The hike is about 6 miles with some moderately rough terrain. Near Johnson Parkway and Maryland, transportation will be available to return to Mounds Park or you may hike back if you wish.
     Join recreational trail supporters and explore this recreational trail. The paved trail runs from East 7th Street and Payne Avenue through Swede Hollow to Phalen Park. Dayton's Bluff Take a Hike started in December of 1990 and over the years hundreds of people have attended these events. For more information, call 776-0550. 

Free Acting Classes for Adults
Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center
800 Conway Street
651-793-3885
Tuesday nights at 6:00 p.m.
Join us. It's fun!

Off-Leash Dog Area Task Force Meetings
The Saint Paul Parks Commission established the Off-Leash Dog Area (OLDA) Task Force to provide feedback to the Commission on how successfully the report, “Recommendations on the Establishment of Off-Leash Dog Areas in Saint Paul,” is being implemented.  The Task Force has established a meeting schedule for the year 2001.  All meetings are open to the public and comments will be taken at every meeting.

MOMS Club
     Ever feel like you're the only mother who stays home? You are not alone! Come meet other at home mothers at the MOMS Club. 
     The MOMS Club is a national nonprofit organization with hundreds of chapters across the country. We are just for the at-home mother of today! 
     Local chapters have monthly meetings with speakers and discussions, park play days, holiday family parties, outings for mothers and their children, and activity groups like playgroups, arts n' crafts, a monthly MOMS Night Out, and babysitting co-ops. We also do service projects to help needy children. 
     Our activities are during the day, when mothers-at-home need support, and mothers may bring their children with them to our activities.
     For more information about our chapter call Tracie Lemke at 651-771- 5834.